Life and Theology of PaulLife and Theology of Paul

Second Temple JudaismSecond Temple Judaism

I. Persian Empire had Temple rebuilt in 515 B.C.

A. Persian king represented by a Governor – Jew or non –Jew

B. Safeguarded king’s interests

1. Security for Jews

2. Collect tribute for the king

C. Internal administration of Judea

1. High Priest – member of Zadok family

II. Jews encouraged to practice religion to keep them content

III. 300’s B.C. Greece took control

IV. Seleucid tried to assimilate Jews into Hellenistic (Greek) culture 175 – 164

V. Judas Maccabaeus led a successful Jewish revolt in 164 B.C. to regain Jewish religious freedom

VI. Roman control in 63 B.C.

A. Control through Jewish leadership

B. Herod the Great 37 – 4 B.C.

C. Roman province – 6 A.D.

D. Roman Emperor appointed a Procurator

1. Maintain peace

2. Collect tribute to Caesar

E. Internal affairs

1. High Priest

2. Sannhedrin – council of 70 elders

F. Jews disliked Roman rule

1. Double taxation – Caesar and Temple dues

2. Act of submission to a pagan ruler – high treason against God

VII. Jews of the Diaspora (dispersion – outside Judea)

A. Roman Empire gave them exceptional privilege

B. 6th Century B.C. – Egypt, Asia Minor, Babylon

C. 1st Century A.D. – 40,000 to 60,000 Jews in Rome

Second Temple, Herod’s Temple

I. Second Temple

A. Stood between 515 B.C. to 70 A.D.

1. Zerubbabel first builder

II. Missing Items

A. Ark of the Covenant, Ten Commandments

III. Herod’s Temple

A. Rebuilt 19 B.C.

B. Built of imported white marble

C. Giant square platform built on Mt. Moriah some of the base bricks – 628 tons

D. Temple area – 35 acres

E. South Gate – public entrance (bath of purification first)

F. Court of the Gentiles – “show that never ends.” A big bazaar selling souvenirs, sacrificial animals, lunch, etc. This is where Jesus got angry.

G. Court of Women – Jewish men, women, and children only allowed. Sacrifice begins by killing and disembowling animals. The smell of blood is everywhere and on the floors. There is a place for lepers and a barbershop for Nazirites. Dancing and singing abound.

H. Court of the Israelites – for men only

I. Court of the Priests – bronze laver and alter are here where there is constant sacrifice, smoke being seen for miles away.

J. Temple – incense alter, menorah, table of shewbread, and utensils. Large curtain separates the Holy of Holies.

Herod Temple Model

Temple Building

City of Jerusalem

30 A.D.